OHIO — The state has released new educational resources for Ohio's diverse communities to help those who don't speak English become licensed drivers.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Traffic Saftey Office said the curriculum and train-the-trainer program will help non-English speakers learn safe driving practices, as well as prepare for the written and driving tests at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

  • OTSO said the materials are provided in English, and the material is designed to be taught with a translator and written materials may be translated

  • OTSO noted the curriculum does not replace driver education and those who participate in the program aren't licenses drivers

The Ohio Traffic Saftey Office said the curriculum and train-the-trainer program will help non-English speakers learn safe driving practices, as well as prepare for the written and driving tests at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

“Non-English speakers who are new to Ohio may not fully understand the rules of the road, increasing their risk of being involved in a crash,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson in a release. “Even the most basic driver education helps promote safe behaviors on our roads, benefitting all drivers in Ohio.”

OTSO said the materials are provided in English, and the material is designed to be taught with a translator and written materials may be translated.

“Providing traffic safety education in multiple languages helps to remove some barriers for Ohio’s English Language Learners and integrate them into the community,” said Emily Davidson, OTSO executive director, in a release. “We hope this new education program can help create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.”

OTSO noted the curriculum does not replace driver education and those who participate in the program aren't licenses drivers. 

Resources are available on the OTSO’s website.